Mulholland will now Chase the stars for Gold Cup glory

Serious Gold Cup challengers to Kauto Star and Long Run are as rare as
snow in high summer.

But Midnight Chase earned the right to take them on
in March with a tenacious victory in the Argento Chase at Cheltenham on Saturday.

Told that Midnight Chase is on offer at 25-1 for the Gold
Cup, trainer Neil Mulholland said: 'I don't mind that we are seen as
underdogs. This horse loves racing, loves this track and is fully
entitled to take his chance.

Can't catch me: Dougie Costello and Midnight Chase (right) led all the way

'Kauto Star and Long Run are the top
horses, but we will worry about them on the day.'

Wayne Hutchinson
landed a treble on the Alan King-trained trio
Grumeti, who won the Triumph Hurdle Trial in the stewards' room, Bless
The Wings and Batonnier.

Ruby Walsh was given a three-day ban for
careless riding that will rule him out of Betfair day at Newbury on
February 11.

But it was all about course specialist Midnight Chase, who led his rivals a merry dance.

Third in the Rowland Meyrick at Wetherby last time out, a return to his favourite track saw him back to his best.

Little Josh harried him for most of
the race before his stamina gave way and it was the mercurial Tidal Bay
who emerged as his main rival at the second last.

Two big leaps sealed the victory though, and Dougie Costello drove him out for a two-and-three-quarter length win.

Home alone: Midnight Chase jumps the last

Diamond Harry and Time For Rupert faded tamely as Knockara Beau ran on for third.

To complete a miserable day for
trainer Philip Hobbs, who saw his Arkle hope Menorah fall at Doncaster,
Captain Chris was pulled up early on the first circuit.

He jumped alarmingly out to his right at the first few fences before Richard Johnson pulled him up.

Mulholland added: 'He's great for the yard and it's great for Lady Clarke (owner).

'I'm delighted, we've had a bad time so this is great.

'We just haven't had the horses. We've had success for a couple of years and a lot are badly handicapped.

'Him and Dougie get on great together.'

Mulholland added: 'I thought he was in the same form as a year ago but he's got stronger and he's very genuine.

'He loves racing and he loves Cheltenham so he has to go for the Gold Cup after that.'

Course specialist: Midnight Chase (right) loves the Cheltenham hill

Paul Nicholls said of Tidal Bay: 'I'm pleased for the horse and he's had a good run round. We can make a plan now but we'll keep all options open.'

George Charlton said of Knockara Beau: 'We'll be back in March, probably for a handicap.'